CANAL FULTON, Ohio — Hill’s Supply Inc. is like the farmers it serves — it focuses on what it does best and diversifies into areas where it can provide high-quality products and services.
For more than 30 years, Hills Supply has been serving the region’s farmers, specializing in barn and dairy equipment from such manufacturers as DeLaval, Mueller, Jamesway and J&D ventilation. And in addition to its headquarters in Canal Fulton, Ohio, it’s been able to expand into four locations.
In 2009, Hill’s Supply diversified with the purchase of EMR Services in Baltic, now renamed to MRE Services. The addition lets Hill’s grow into the heating and cooling, refrigeration and plumbing arena.
“We’re excited about offering heating and cooling, and other services through our newly named MRE Services in Baltic,” said owner Dave Hill, who operates the company with his mother, Dolores.
Hill’s Supply also purchased and installed a blending plant for farm chemicals in Van Wert, Ohio.
Weathering the economy. But also like the farms it serves, Hill’s Supply has had to weather a tough 18 months, as the dairy industry saw the lowest milk prices in more than 30 years.
“This is the first time in our 30-year history where we have reduced our employee numbers, and had a sizable reduction in sales,” said Dave Hill. “We’ve always had increased sales over the previous years.”
“We hope the situation for our customers improves, so we can again grow our business to help them.”
Expanding and diversifying their products and services, as the company did in 2009, gives Hill’s the edge to help farmers turn it around.
Hill’s currently has 35 full-time employees. Stop by Hill’s Supply at 2366 Locust St., Canal Fulton, from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., or call 330-854-5720. You can also e-mail for information, at HillsAlfa@aol.com.
